Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers recall 11-324

CPSC recall 11-324, announced September 14, 2011, covers Goldstar or Comfort-Aire dehumidifiers (about 98,000 units). The power connector for the dehumidifier's compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property. The notice cites 16 incident reports. Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair. Recall contact: call (877) 220-0479, or go to www.30pintdehumidifierrecall.com.

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Additional identifying details

Model and serial number ranges included in this recall are listed in the table below.

Which products are included?

The recall involves the 30-pint portable dehumidifiers sold under the Goldstar and Comfort-Aire brands. The dehumidifiers are white with a red shut-off button, controls for fan speed and humidity control, and a front-loading water bucket. "Goldstar" or "Comfort-Aire" is printed on the front. Model and serial number ranges included in this recall are listed in the table below. The model and serial numbers are located on the interior of the dehumidifier, and can be seen when the water bucket is removed. Brand Model No. Serial Number Range Sold at Goldstar GHD30Y7 611TAxx00001 through 08400 611TAxx08401 through 40600 612TAxx00001 through 20400 612TAxx21001 through 30600 Home Depot Goldstar DH305Y7 612TAxx00001 through 00600 701TAxx00001 through 16800 702TAxx00001 through 03000 Walmart Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C 611TA000001 through 001697 612TA000001 through 004200 701TA000001 through 000578 710TA000001 through 000599 Various retailers, including Ace Hardware, Do It Best and Orgill Inc.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The power connector for the dehumidifier's compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers and their property.

Incidents and injuries

The dehumidifiers were first recalled in December 2009 following eleven incidents, including four significant fires. Since that time, the company has received sixteen additional incident reports of arcing, smoke and fire associated with the dehumidifiers, including nine significant fires. No injuries have been reported. Fires are reported to have caused more than $1 million in property damage including: - $500,000 in damage to a home in Gibsonia, Pa. - $200,000 in damage to a home in New Brighton, Minn. - $183,000 in damage to a home in Hudson, Mass. - $192,000 in damage to a home in Valparaiso, Ind. - $139,000 in damage to a home in Salem, Ohio - $129,000 in damage to a home in Brielle, N.J. - $ 95,000 in damage to a home in Philadelphia, Pa.

Official remedy

Anyone who has the recalled dehumidifiers is strongly encouraged to immediately stop using them, unplug them, and contact LG Electronics for the free repair.

Remedy type: Repair

Product and sales details

Brand: Goldstar or Comfort-Aire
Manufacturer: LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co.
Product type: Dehumidifiers
Recall number: 11-324
Units: About 98,000
Manufactured in: China
Sold at / sales period: The Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Orgill Inc., and other retailers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $140 and $150.